Kids will be kids, but what about everyone else?

After Carolina’s dramatic win at Duke Saturday night, social media was filled with two video threads of celebrations.

First the Tar Heels hugging on the Cameron Indoor Stadium court followed by the typical victory dance in the locker room led by Coach Roy Williams, who has some moves for a 70-year-old.

Later that night came pictures of the party on Franklin Street, with hundreds of students piling out of the bars like what happens after a Duke win in most years. Only this isn’t most years.

Then after learning that at least two Tar Heel players, sophomore Armando Bacot and freshman Day’Ron Sharpe, joined one of the indoor parties upon returning to Chapel Hill, the mood changed.

After the UNC administration had said it would check video footage and possibly discipline any students not wearing masks on Franklin Street, I pondered this question: Did Ol’ Roy remind his team on the bus ride back to be smart and not join the students in town?

So late Monday afternoon, the home game with Miami was postponed because of possible spread of COVID from Saturday night. That was a big move because the Heels were favored and might not get the game rescheduled, joining another home date vs. Clemson from January 9 in limbo.

Besides now likely missing two home victories that could help Carolina secure a return to the NCAA tournament, let’s think about the other people this affected beyond the thousands of Carolina and basketball fans who were settling in to watch the game.

The ESPN/ACC Network crew had traveled here and was setting up for the game. And the Miami team, which has had COVID problems of its own this season, flew into RDU, stayed over Sunday night and were ready to play. Then, they had to fly home  without playing and must eat all of those travel expenses.

We saw the NFL complete a minor miracle by finishing a season without a game being cancelled and playing the Super Bowl. UNC had been one of the most disciplined programs in all college sports. No longer. Regrettably, some students and athletes selfishly let their guards down.

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